October 28th is a national holiday in Greece. It is the day that commemorates the rejection by Greek Ioannis Metaxas of the ultimatum made by Italian Benito Mussolini on October 28, 1940. This day is known by Greeks around the world as ‘Oxi Day’ (No Day). The day is celebrated not only in Greece but also in Cyprus and in Greek communities around the world.
Oxi Day 2021
On 28 October, festivities and parades will take place around the country. Greek Orthodox churches hold special services. Most public buildings and residences are decorated with Greek flags. It is a national holiday, which means that shops are closed, except for cafés and food venues. Public transportation works as normal.
On Oxi Day, ancient sites such as the Acropolis will be open and admission to these will be free of charge. This also includes sites like the Ancient Delphi, Ancient Mycenae, and Ancient Epidaurus. You can see all monuments that offer free entrance on the website of the Greek Ministry of Culture.
In addition, many museums are free too, and you can visit museums like the National Archaeological Museum, the Acropolis Museum or the Byzantine Museum. You will find many of this in this article about Athens with children.
Because of the corona pandemic, the school parades were completely canceled last year. Luckily, this year, Oxi-day school parades and the military parade are happening but under the current corona pandemic measures. To visit a school parade in your neighborhood, you will need to wear a mask and keep distance.
In Thessaloniki, only the military parade will be held. Political sections (clubs, students, etc.) will not be allowed to parade this year and the parade will last 60 minutes.
Other Greek Holidays
I’ve always been fascinated by Greece’s unique celebrations. If you are too, have a look at the Greek Culture & Celebrations category of this blog. In this section, I describe the other Greek Holidays and unique traditions. Have you heard of Kyra Sarakosti for instance? A special bread character introducing Lent to Greek children after Carnival in Greece. And did you know that there are many winter traditions in Greece? There is even a celebration honoring the kingfisher birds!
